Shuk Ha'Carmel

This morning I travelled to Tel Aviv, anticipating an Etsy Chai team meet-up which sadly didn't happen. Away from home, with a few hours to spare, I decided to explore a little and enjoy a morning off, rather than simply turning around and returning home.
The above photos were taken at The Carmel Market, known locally as Shuk Ha'Carmel. This market is Tel Aviv's biggest and a fascinating place to visit. It is basically one crowded narrow alley with long lines of colourful stalls standing on either side where vendors proudly - and loudly - present their goods. Here you can find almost anything imaginable, from cheap clothes and shoes, fake CDs and watches to exotic spices, fish, poultry and an amazingly colourful collection of fruits and vegetables.
After roaming around and enjoying the sights and smells of the market, I crossed over to nearby Nachalat Binyamin Street. On Tuesdays and Fridays the street comes alive with an Arts & Crafts Fair which features the work of roughly 200+ Israeli artists. The variety and range of work available there is broad and varied. One can find jewellery, ceramics, lampshades, Judaica and much, much more. There are many talented people gathered up in this fair, and even if you're not in the 'buying mood' you will enjoy this little market.
After a couple of hours it was time to head home, just in time to collect the kids from school. My morning out had been somewhat 'rescued' after such a disappointing start, though tomorrow I intend to keep things simple and catch up with some recent commissions.